Where to properly dispose of your unused prescription drugs

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(Photo by Gordon Chibroski/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)

Where to properly dispose of your unused prescription drugs

(Photo by Gordon Chibroski/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mark your calendar for April 29th. It’s ‘National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.’ It’s a day many cities and organizations will use to help citizens dispose of unused or unwanted prescription drugs.

In the Kansas City Northland, The Northland Coalition, with the support of Tri-County Mental Health Services, is offering a free and anonymous service.

The Take Back event offers the community another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by getting rid of prescriptions that are potentially dangerous, expired, or unused.

The Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA) says the most commonly abused prescription medications include opioids and pain relievers such as hydrocodone (Vicodin®) and oxycodone (OxyContin®); barbiturates and benzodiazepines including diazepam (Valium®) and alprazolam (Xanax®); and stimulants including dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine® or Adderall®) and methylphenidate (Ritalin® or Concerta®).

For those unable to use the Prescription Drug Take Back boxes in their area, the following method of disposal is recommended:
Remove and shred labels from the bottles. Crush pills and mix them with coffee grounds or kitty litter. Place the mixture in a sealed container and dispose of it with trash